Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plan to impose hefty fines on players following the national team’s disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup. Amir stressed that blaming players alone will not resolve systemic issues, and selectors and board officials must also be held accountable for poor team outcomes.
Proposed Fines and Reactions
According to local media reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is considering levying fines of approximately PKR 5 million per player for the team’s substandard World Cup showing. The move has sparked debate across cricketing circles, with Amir questioning the fairness of penalising players while administrative and selection lapses remain unaddressed.
Speaking on a televised panel discussion, Amir stated:
“If fines are the solution, then they must apply to everyone—from selectors to the board itself. Players do not assemble teams under duress. Wrong combinations are the responsibility of the selectors.”
He further emphasised,
“Those who pick and plan the team must answer for their decisions. Will Fakhar Zaman, who played only two matches, be fined? And what about Sahibzada Farhan?”
Investing in Domestic Cricket
Amir advocates for long-term structural improvements rather than short-term financial penalties. He said:
“I have always maintained that investment in domestic cricket is crucial. That is where quality players are nurtured. If a player underperforms, do not fine them—remove them from the squad and encourage them to perform consistently in domestic competitions to earn selection again. Being dropped is the most severe consequence for a player.”
Pakistan’s World Cup Campaign
For the second consecutive edition, Pakistan failed to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals. The team managed only a solitary victory against Sri Lanka, while suffering defeats to India and England, prompting intense criticism from the nation’s cricket community.
| Opponent | Result | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Won | Only victory; minor morale boost |
| India | Lost | Batting and bowling combinations flawed |
| England | Lost | Tactical missteps exposed |
Cricket analysts argue that fines alone cannot correct underlying problems. Strengthening domestic structures, improving player development, and holding the administration accountable are critical to revitalising Pakistan cricket.
Amir’s message is clear: accountability must extend beyond players, and sustainable investment in the domestic system is essential to produce disciplined, high-quality talent capable of delivering consistently on the international stage.